This two-day conference will serve as a forum for international archaeologists of pre-, protohistoric, and early historic Japan audiences to present diverse approaches to the formation social complexity across and beyond the Japanese archipelago. Invitees include those who have made valuable contributions to the international archaeological community’s understanding of the formation of Japanese civilization. In addition, as modern national borders do not reflect those that existed in periods discussed, scholars will also include those who research early cross-border (especially Japan-Korea) connections. This event will also provide a valuable opportunity for senior and junior scholars to forge closer professional connections, while also exposing the Yale community to new developments in the field.